Elsinore

Yes Yes Yes

Parasol Records

Let me show you the power of a well-written press release. I quote from the paper that came with this engulfing collection of power pop … “Channeling the works of modern-day masters Ben Gibbard and Sufjan Stevens… ” Paste it into Google and see how many hits you get. I’ll probably be number 13. That’s web journalism, CTRL A, CTRL C, CTRL V and your work is done. The lesson? Write crisp, clean copy and the world will copy a path to your door.

The music? Oh, yeah, that. Elsinore hails from the flatlands of downstate Illinois, where few distractions allow them to hone their songwriting. The tone is upbeat and pop-influenced, the lyrics slow and dreamy, with hardly any “Oh, Baby! Oh Baby! Oh Baby!” filler. Young and in love, Ryan Goff sings his heart out on to his sleeve in “Lines” — “I don’t want to talk about it anymore, I want to be loved.” Yes, it’s time for an ill-conceived pick up. By the title cut (stuck at #11 on the track list) he’s scored on “Yes Yes Yes” and relates “Isn’t that the answer you were looking for?” The rest of the band joins in enthusiastically on chorus. Of course there must be a bad ending; I’d peg that to “Gasoline” but I’m hoping he doesn’t have a lighter. I can’t say for sure that Elsinore is the living doppelganger of Mr. Stevens or Mr. Gibbard, but their serious take on songwriting and fully realized technical skills make them a worthwhile listen. What will the future hold for them — pop success, indulgent experimentation, or hipster fame? I’ll be listening to find out. Please join me when they pass through your college town.

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